Partway through A&P school, the airframe section gives way to engines, and the shop floor starts to fill with cylinders, magnetos, and turbine sections on stands. Students who have been reading about structures and systems now need to understand how aircraft engines work and how they are inspected and maintained.
The FAA’s Aviation Maintenance Technician Handbook series splits that material into General, Airframe, and Powerplant volumes. The Powerplant handbook is the FAA’s reference for the engine side, used in maintenance schools and by technicians studying for the powerplant knowledge test.
ASA prints the FAA-H-8083-32B edition as ASA-8083-32B.
Quick answer: The Aviation Maintenance Technician Handbook: Powerplant (ASA-8083-32B) is ASA’s printed edition of the FAA’s FAA-H-8083-32B, the FAA’s reference on aircraft engines and their systems for maintenance technicians. It’s for A&P students preparing for the powerplant rating and working technicians who want the FAA text in print, available on Skyfarer and at Skyfarer Shop.
At a glance
- Source. The FAA’s AMT Handbook: Powerplant, FAA-H-8083-32B.
- Printed by. Aviation Supplies & Academics (ASA).
- Series. Part of the FAA’s AMT handbook set alongside the General and Airframe volumes.
- Readers. A&P students and maintenance technicians.
Good to know
The handbook teaches principles and general practices. On an actual engine, the governing data is the engine and aircraft manufacturer’s maintenance manuals and instructions for continued airworthiness, and work on a certificated aircraft must be performed or supervised by an appropriately certificated mechanic and signed off in the records.
Pilot tip: Study each engine system in the handbook, then find the same system on a real engine in the school shop. Matching the diagrams to hardware makes the powerplant oral and practical far more comfortable.
Where to buy
Aviation Maintenance Technician Handbook: Powerplant (ASA-8083-32B) is sold by Skyfarer Shop. Find it on the Skyfarer marketplace or order directly from Skyfarer Shop. Either link shows the current price, shipping options and return terms.
Frequently asked questions
Is this the airframe or powerplant volume?
Powerplant. The airframe volume is a separate book.
Isn’t it free from the FAA?
The FAA publishes its handbooks free online. This is ASA’s printed edition.
Can I use it instead of the engine manufacturer’s manual?
No. It’s a training reference. Actual maintenance follows the manufacturer’s manuals and approved data.
